You have been my friend," replied Charlotte. "That in itself is a tremendous thing." —E.B. White Charlotte's Web

Something to Share

Dewey, The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

Dewey’s story starts in the worst possible way. Only a few weeks old, on the coldest night of the year, he was stuffed into the returned book slot at the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director, Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility, (for a cat) and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most. Synopsis from Barnes and Noble

An excerpt from the book:

“Everyone at the library was well-intentioned, but over the years the staff had become splintered and cliquish. …Here, finally, was something (Dewey, the cat) that we could share. …once Dewey arrived the tension began to lift.”

This brings to mind another book, The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis. The powerful ingredient in the necklace experiment was the sharing. The women shared this luxury piece of jewelry with each other, their children, and complete strangers. They became a group of friends that were committed to each other, largely through the process of sharing.

There is power in sharing, in community. I’m still batting the idea around.

Why does sharing have such an impact on the one who is sharing?

How does this play out in the church family? Is sharing and community-building part of hospitality?

Have you ever had an experience with sharing that had an unexpected effect?

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Published by Amy

I’m a wife, mother, daughter, friend, teacher, student. I live on a small horse farm in the middle of Arkansas. I am in awe of God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness. I'm honored that you have stopped by my blog.
Have a great day! Amy
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4 thoughts on “Something to Share”

Amy, I just found the receipt where your website was written. I am going to have to keep coming here to know what’s going on with you. Molly is reading the Dewey book–Greg’s aunt passed it on to her (she is a cat lover). She wants me to read it next. I finished the 3rd Twilight book last night. I am ashamed to say I loved it. Miss you.

Being an introverted personality, I have always been a little hesitant to open up and share with others. But I’ve been amazed as I have been able to do that, how God has worked in those situations. Instead of continuing to feel like I was alone in my problem or suffering, when I would share, I’d find out quickly how many have been in my particular spot on their journey. Through this has come great encouragement, advice, and help for my situation. I’m truly grateful for those who have shared part of themselves with me!

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Front Porch Friend

Front porch visits are my favorite. They invite unhurried conversations that ebb and flow from the silly to the serious. The mind can wander. There is time and space to share your heart with a friend.
I hope that’s what you find here on Front Porch Friend. I hope there is something to make your day a little better, like visiting with a friend on her front porch.